The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1887-04-30
BLACK HILLS LETTER.
The Diamond Drili's Dakota Cores
pendent Quite Outdoes Himself
this week-The Great Undevelop-
ed Resources OF that Rich Spot
Carefully and Plainly Depleted by
Conscientious Writer.
Editor THE DIAMOND DnLL,

Editor THE DIAMOND DRILL,
DEAR Sm:-It is time that the atten-
ton Of the world was called TO this mar
vicious region officially, in the name OF
the territory The building OF the rail-
road TO Rapid City, thriving foot hills
town, with assurance OF extending the
line further around and into the hills,
and the building at an early day OF other
lines OF railway, has now made Impossible
20 direct general attention TO this, the
richest corner OF the kingdom, an area OF
little more than 5000 square miles, and
yet "A world in itself, possessing every
variety of mineral and other resources,
which as yet remain largely undiscovered
10 the world outside. There has been
but little development to speak of, even
Of the gold mines, the lew now in success
ful operation comprising but small pro-
portion 81 the valuable properties known
TO he In cxistancc and awaiting develop
ment. The silver camps at Carbonate
and Galena are not half prospected yet,
and in spite OF the temporary setback
encountered this past season, are prob
ably but now upon the eve OF an excite
ment and activity, in the original pro-
auction of wealth, that promises TO rival
] Ieadville. Smelling works for both
camps have lately been purchased and
will be ready for work a. soon as the
weather is settled. The output OF gold
and silver in 1885 amounted to $4,000
900, as follows: Gold So, 100000, sill
YER S15O,00O. A large increase in pro-
duction was predicted for the future, fol-
lowing the railroad. The tin discoveries
are awakening greater interest and
inquiry than the precious metals. Active
operations are going ON and the sure de
velopment of the tin mines Of the Black
Hills IL beyond doubt The petroleum
found in the west side OF the hills il said
TO be fully equal TO the best oil produced
IN Pennsylvania. Anumber accompanies
have been organized and wells are now
being sunk 10y boring i'm the oil district,
which comprises considerable area in
the western rim OF the hills. In the same
vicinity there is salt In abundance, which
is already finding it's way into market
There are mica mines awaiting develop
K ment there is asbestos in large quantities,
and copper mines waiting for the future /;
besides zinc, salt-petre and niclSle, now
too cheap TO be developed M theirpresent
disadvantage OF location. TIE Black
\ Hills has IL greatest mine Of wealth, per-
haps, in the almost incxhaustable sup
plies Of building materials, Of all kinds,
which is found ON all hands. The mag
nifcent hard pine lumber, the marble,
-andstones, and other building stone of
/ great beauty and durability, and the
lime gypsum and brick clays which exist
/ in these hills, would rebuild all the cities
OF the Mosoaic age The agricultural
capabilities OF the Black Hills are OF the
highest order. The valleys and parks
lying within the hills contain the best Of
soil and the ranges Of the hills afford n
natural pasture for cattle and horses.
THE sublime scenery found among the
peaks and pine clad hills, the curious
formation in slate porphyry and lime
stone, and the natural parks, IL another
point OF attraction, which Go the tourist
must before long constitute "a leading and
powerful charm, 10 be developed through
the enterprise OF railroadsand thcpeopIe
most interested, into a prolific source Of
revenue. The Dakota hot springs, sit
uatcd in the southern hills, in the ex-
trcme southwestern part OF the terri
tory, are just about TO come into the
prominence they deserve. The railroad
making them accessible by twelve mile